The Stanley Cup playoffs are so close, you can almost smell the
hipster playoff beards. No matter how deep your love of vulcanized rubber, this
is what we have been waiting for since training camps broke eons ago. There are
still several playoff spots up for grabs, and seedings will change, but if the
playoffs started now, here are some of the most intriguing matchups of the
first round.

Western Conference

Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks

Ducks have been nothing short of spectacular. In February they were practically unbeatable,
going 12-1-1, and sit only two points behind the L.A.Kings for the Pacific
Division lead after a horrific start to the season.

San Jose has played well, but have had little success this
season against the mighty Ducks (see what I did there), posting a 1-3-0 record.
The Sharks won’t complain if Anaheim stays hot and gets a higher seed. No team
in the league wants the steamrolling Ducks in the first round.

Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks

If you haven’t been paying attention, for some odd reason, the
Wild have had Chicago’s number this season. There’s still two games left on the
docket between these teams. But right now, Minnesota is 3-0-0 against the
defending Stanley Cup champs, including a 6-1 ass-kicking in front of 50,000 in
a February 20, 2016 Stadium Series game.

Of course, the Wild actually have to make the playoffs to
realize a potential Earth shattering upset. They sit tied for the last spot
with the Colorado Avalanche, and had a brutal stretch after the New Year,
dropping 13 of 14 while getting coach Mike Yeo fired. But they’ve played better
under interim coach John Torchetti and should they sneak in, they could give
the Blackhawks a test.

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals are in total cruise control for the
number one seed. Now imagine the tension if the Caps have to face a resurgent
Sidney Crosby AND a healthy Evgeni Malkin in the first round. All those regular season wins would mean
nothing if Pittsburgh could push the Capitals to an extended six or seven game
series. Washington has to reach the conference finals this postseason, or heads
could roll on the National Mall.

New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers

Who doesn’t love it when New Yorkers fight each other? This one
is long overdue. The Islanders and Rangers haven’t tussled since 1994 when the
Rangers broke through and won the Stanley Cup.

The Isles have taken the first two contests this season with
two to play. Both games were tight, and a playoff series would be no different.
Should this series become reality, expect it to go seven, with the edge going
to the Rangers, who will be able to lean on their recent playoff experience to
pull out a win.